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Originally Posted by sticky
GE Profile refrigerator [model] GSH25JFRFBB
There is a low pitched howling/humming noise coming from the freezer compartment... I've listened to the fan circulating the air between the freezer and the refrigerator sides but that does not appear to be the problem.
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Your fridge is one of GE's electronically controlled models. It uses a multi-speed DC motor (see the following link) in the freezer compartment which is controlled by the electronic control. Such a motor could possibly make sounds on one of the speeds but not on the others.
LINK >
GSH25JFRFBB Evaporator Fan Motor
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if I turn it to off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again the noise stops for a few minutes (even though the air is circulating) but eventually it starts again.
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You should not stop a refrigerator and immediately restart it!
The compressor needs time for the refrigerant pressures in the system to equalize before it will be able to run again. Forcing it to start up too soon could cause damage to it. That is an expensive ($$$+) repair. After being turned off, a refrigerator should be left stand 10-15 minutes before restarting.
BTW. The electronic control will vary the speed of the evaporator motor upon various conditions. What you're doing is likely one of them.
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Could this be a defective thermostat, timer or something else?
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Thermostats do not usually make any sound except for maybe a clicking sound as they switch (in the case of a mechanical thermostat). A defrost timer's motor might make a humming sound while in operation or a clicking sound as its switches open and close. Your model however is electronically controlled and has neither of those things. The only other thing in the freezer compartment on your model which I can see making any kind of sound is maybe an icemaker.
JFYI
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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